The Ned Doha Is Opening Next Month In Time For The 2022 World Cup

The Ned Doha opens next month, and the timing couldn’t be better since it dovetails with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 commencing on November 20.

As the third location of the members-only club and hotel concept co-created by Soho House Founder and CEO Nick Jones and Soho House Chairman and investor Ron Burkle, The Ned Doha follows in the footsteps of its London and New York counterparts by merging everything you could possibly need or desire in a social setting, from sophisticated interior design to unforgettable culinary experineces, under one roof.

Housed in the former Ministry of the Interior building designed by esteemed Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the 50o,000 square feet property is now kitted out with handsome common spaces, 90 guest rooms and 12 suites, seven food and beverage outlets, a fitness center with an outdoor pool, and a tranquil spa. Art is a focal point, too, with an impressive 150-piece collection curated by Wadha Al-Aqeedi and Elina Sairanen, the co-founders of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

Ahead, Gareth Banner, Managing Director of The Ned, gives us a first glimpse of The Ned Doha ahead of its opening.

Katie Chang: Why did you decide on Doha for the third location?

Banner: Doha is a major cultural and business center with a strong professionals’ base as well as leisure visitors from many international cities. The Ned Doha is located on the Corniche waterfront, with views over the Persian Gulf, city parklands, and the neighboring Doha Palace. This project is particularly exciting to be involved with because the building is one of the oldest in Doha and has significant historical and architectural significance. It was important to us that we opened in tandem with the FIFA World Cup in 2022, to let members experience this unprecedented event while enjoying The Ned amenities.

How will Doha be different from your London and NY locations?

Banner: The ambiance of The Ned Doha has a glocal focus, pulling from classic Ned touches but with regional elements to create a distinct sense of place. Curated for The Ned Doha by Wadha Al-Aqeedi and Elina Sairanen, the co-founders of Mathqaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, The Ned Doha’s contemporary art collection boasts over 150 works from regional talent working across a variety of disciplines. From the property’s top-floor gym with views overlooking Amir Diwan to the Ned’s Club Upstairs space overlooking West Bay, Doha offers an elevated opportunity for guests to enjoy the best of the destination with the service and amenities members have grown to love from other Ned properties.

Tell me about the design of The Ned Doha. How does it look and feel?

Banner: Originally designed by acclaimed Lebanese architect William Sednaoui in the 1960s, the current Ned Doha building was once the home to the Ministry of Interior offices. We worked with David Chipperfield Architects and the Soho House Design team to reimagine this historic building into a bright and light space. Since the building is one of the oldest in Doha, we made every effort to honor its historical and architectural significance. As soon as visitors step foot on property, they’ll be engulfed in a glamorous 1970s design with silk drapes, terrazzo flooring, green and white striped daybeds accompanying the pool, plush velvet woven fabric headboards, and marble furniture. In ode to the property’s repurposed building, the original coffered concrete ceilings have been restored in many of the rooms. Suites feature opulent mirrored headboards, reflective surfaces, and walk-in wardrobes to transport guests back in time to the elegant touches of the decade. Open restaurant kitchens, indoor-outdoor spaces, and a convivial atmosphere encourage conversation.

We’re living in a very different world than a couple of years ago. Why should people consider becoming members of The Ned?

Banner: Community is the key facet of Ned’s Club. Opportunities to connect and network authentically are available throughout the properties. From our elevated coworking options to beautiful hotel rooms, The Ned members get a holistic approach to work, life, and celebrations across all our properties. The Ned has plans for future expansion as well, giving members an even greater footprint to explore The Ned’s ethos globally. Whether in town for meetings, vacation, or exploration, The Ned provides a rarefied property to reinvigorate and immerse in each destination.

The Ned Doha is now accepting reservations as well as membership inquiries, which can be directed to [email protected].

The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.